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By local democracy reporter Max Frethey,
While Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has been promoting localism at its national conference, its president’s own council was consulting on scrapping a community board.
LGNZ president Sam Broughton is mayor of Selwyn and, in the district … View moreBy local democracy reporter Max Frethey,
While Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has been promoting localism at its national conference, its president’s own council was consulting on scrapping a community board.
LGNZ president Sam Broughton is mayor of Selwyn and, in the district council’s representation review, it’s proposing to disestablish its last community board in Malvern.
Board chairperson Bruce Russell said the proposal was a “bloody disaster” and had caused “unrest” in the community.
“We're fighting like hell which, in my humble opinion, we shouldn't be doing. We should be there,” he said.
Russell said he was “not happy” to hear Broughton speaking on the importance of localism at last week’s LGNZ conference while the community board he sits on is on the chopping block.
Malvern is the largest ward in Selwyn, covering about 5000km2 with a population of more than 8000 spread across 16 communities.
The council’s representation review would not only see the ward’s community board disestablished, but the reduction of its councillors from two to one.
Russell said that arrangement was “unjustified” and would result in unfair representation.
“All we're trying to do is get a better representation for our people,” he said.
“We've got to get local.”
Instead of having the board disestablished, Russell would rather see it delegated more powers so as to be more effective for Malvern.
However, Broughton said localism was present because the proposal was out for consultation.
“It’s about listening to the community,” he said.
“[I’m] keen to hear back from the community on whether they want to have a community board in Malvern.”
The consultation period would also allow input from residents across the district, including from the three other wards which don’t currently have community boards.
“Most members in our community don't have community boards. So, we've said ‘let's go out with an option that says, no community boards’. And if your community wants one, then tell us about it.”
If submissions from Malvern residents were in favour of keeping the community board, Broughton said the council would “listen to the community and answer that feedback”, with a final decision being made before the end of the year.
He added that Selwyn was “too big to be really local”.
“We have to get smaller,” Broughton said.
“Selwyn is one council across 6500 square kilometres. So, actually, the distances that council can be from communities, I think, is a bit of a barrier. Looking to do things more locally is really important.”
He said the council had supported the establishment of residents’ associations in recent years to try and empower communities.
“Next term, we're going to need to think about think about how we work with whoever's elected on council to allow communities more of a say what goes on.”
Selwyn’s population has grown by 13% since its last representation review in 2021 which has resulted in an uneven ratio of councillors to population.
The 2021 review saw 10 councillors for Selwyn who each represented roughly 7000 people each.
The proposal currently out for consultation would reduce the number of councillors to eight and would represent about 10,155 people on average.
*Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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Delmaine Fine Foods and Woolworths brand antipasto products are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
This includes Delmaine, Woolworths packaged antipasto products and deli antipasto mix.
"The concern with these products is that they may contain… View moreDelmaine Fine Foods and Woolworths brand antipasto products are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
This includes Delmaine, Woolworths packaged antipasto products and deli antipasto mix.
"The concern with these products is that they may contain Listeria, which can cause serious illness in pregnant people and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund or throw them out.
The following products, within the date markings below, are affected by this recall:
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Five Olive Mix (200g) with a use-by between 16/10/24 - 20/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Jumbo Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 27/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Pitted Olive Medley (180g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Olive Mix (160g) with a use-by of 5/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Antipasto Mix (215g) with a use-by between 16/10/24-20/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta (150g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Red Peppers (190g) with a use-by between 24/10/24 - 5/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (270g) with a use-by between 7/04/25 - 30/04/25
Woolworths brand Feta and Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 21/11/24 - 25/12/24
Woolworths brand Greek Mix (200g) with a use-by between 20/11/24 - 1/01/25
Woolworths brand Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 13/11/24 - 25/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Italian Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta & Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Yes, we love our backyards and think our town is pretty cool but what is there to do?
Imagine you were writing a list for visitors/tourists and want to show them the best that your town can offer in winter. What would you suggest?
Moving into a serviced apartment at Ryman means there’s less time spent cooking and cleaning, and more time for family and friends.
Feel safe and secure at a Ryman village, where beautiful gardens provide the backdrop for a host of on-site amenities.
We're looking for delicious rhubarb recipes to feature in NZ Gardener. Send your family's favourite ways to enjoy this crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 31, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.
Get 20% off Resene’s huge range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers.
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We are still feeling the pinch and the weekly shop is no different. So we are after your cost-saving tips please, neighbours!
What’s the best way you've found to cut down on your grocery bill? Share below (and hear tips from others!)
To prevent further youth crime, the government has proposed stays at military-style camps for up to 12 months for young offenders. Do you think the camps will be successful in rehabilitating youth who commit crimes?
Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may … View moreWhen we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Farmer David Douglas says he is fed up with too many layers of governance.
He is leading a group campaigning for the southern councils, from Waitaki to Selwyn, to break away from regional council Environment Canterbury and amalgamate into some form … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Farmer David Douglas says he is fed up with too many layers of governance.
He is leading a group campaigning for the southern councils, from Waitaki to Selwyn, to break away from regional council Environment Canterbury and amalgamate into some form of unitary council.
"We have lost control," he said.
"These areas we are talking about have so much in common and we think it would work well with the proper governance.”
Douglas’ Dome Hills farm in the Kakanui Mountains is split by the Otago and Canterbury regional council boundary. As part of the Waitaki District Council, he answers to three different authorities on the same property.
Douglas is visiting all the councils from Waitaki up to Selwyn to pitch the idea of a new breakaway organisation, which would be a combination of a territorial and regional council, fronting the Ashburton District Council last week.
Joining Douglas was Andrew Simpson (both pictured), a high country farmer at Balmoral Station and a property developer in the Mackenzie District.
He said three layers of Government control - local, regional and central - was one too many.
"We need to get rid of that extra tier of governance that is complicating good decision-making.”
Douglas and Simpson say amalgamation would push back against the growing urban influence on rural-based issues, consent costs and processes.
The pair also said regional councils were too political and overstaffed.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown asked if they thought it was best for the six councils to become "one super council” or to create a South Canterbury regional council to cover those areas.
Despite using the term unitary council, there are several models to consider, and the councils needed to workshop what that could look like, Douglas said.
Whatever form it takes, the biggest question was how the representation would work, Douglas said.
"The mayors are telling me the present model is unsustainable.’’
He said there was a unique opportunity for the districts to come together "to control our destiny in our region”.
The sales pitch intrigued Ashburton’s council, but the members didn't indicate whether it supported the idea.
Brown said he would raise it at the next Canterbury Mayoral forum later this month by which time Douglas would have completed visits to all six councils.
The presentation in Ashburton came hot on the heels of Environment Canterbury’s Mid Canterbury councillor, Ian Mackenzie, suggesting the proposed shake-up of the representative borders could be the catalyst for such a breakaway.
An Environment Canterbury spokesman said the regional council is aware of the discussions, “but it would be a matter for Central Government to decide”.
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and… View moreIt might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
Until August 25 all eggs will be on sale at $8 a dozen (thats less than chicken eggs in the supermarket!)
Duck eggs are tastier, have more nutrition and can be eaten by most people who are intolerant of chicken eggs.
Pickup ChCh or delivery to Rangiora and Kaiapoi by arrangement (Min order 2… View moreUntil August 25 all eggs will be on sale at $8 a dozen (thats less than chicken eggs in the supermarket!)
Duck eggs are tastier, have more nutrition and can be eaten by most people who are intolerant of chicken eggs.
Pickup ChCh or delivery to Rangiora and Kaiapoi by arrangement (Min order 2 dozen for free delivery at this price).
Pickup in ChCh on Tuesday mornings at 10:40am in Walthum.
***While stock lasts
Usual price is $1 an egg ($12 a dozen).
Sale lasts till 25 August only and numbers are limited.
PLEASE BRING UNUSED EGG CARTONS WITH YOU OR LEAVE OUT.
ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE $400+ A WEEK RUNNING COSTS OF THE NORTH CANTERBURY DUCK RESCUE
www.facebook.com...
Pet Ducks also available for rehoming *Adoption Agreement and approval applies*
Ph, SMS or WhatsApp 020 406 41485
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